Convertable for a grand? 9 February 2022 at 9:48PM in Motoring 65 replies 2.5K views

k6chris

Pub conversation - "Can you buy a convertable for a grand that would last all summer?"  Well can you??

TadleyBaggie

Autotrader says yes, 17 times. E.g.: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107255432088?advertising-location=at_cars&include-delivery-option=on&price-to=1000&postcode=rg264hx&keywords=convertible&body-type=Convertible&radius=1501&sort=relevance&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&page=1

k6chris

TadleyBaggie said:

Autotrader says yes, 17 times. E.g.: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107255432088?advertising-location=at_cars&include-delivery-option=on&price-to=1000&postcode=rg264hx&keywords=convertible&body-type=Convertible&radius=1501&sort=relevance&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&page=1

The question was more about the likelihood they will last for a year (and be some fun to drive!)

caprikid1

I think with an NB MX5 with a bit a scabby paintwork you might get 2 summers if looked after and plenty of underbody anti corrosion. All going well you will get your money back too. Like all of these things rust is the killer.

400ixl

Yes, of course you can. There are lots of older convertibles in this price bracket that will last for years. Some of the older MGF's MX5's would be good examples of cheap fun convertibles. Other than the roof it is no different to any other sub £1k car lasting a year which tens of thousands do every year

jimbo6977

We have a one-owner Megane mk1 convertible that's in very good order and books at about £300. Trouble is that it's so value-less that it's not worth selling, and I would imagine there are probably many other people with decent older-but-not-classic cars in similar situations, which makes me suspect that the ones that are for sale are more likely to be money-pits. 

caprikid1

"which makes me suspect that the ones that are for sale are more likely to be money-pits"

When you buy a sub £1000 car you have to assume you are substituting monthly payments for monthly maintenance. 

Great thing is though is the max you are risking is £1000 but that could then be a few hundred every few months if you are catching up on maintenance such as tyres exhausts etc.

Also to anyone currently enjoying an exec barge with diesel gate tax rates a petrol convertible can come as a bit of a shock with monthly tax rates equivalent to annual tax rates. 

If you have a gararge than an aging convertible can also provide a winter hobby. New discs and pads currently being installed on my MK1 MX5 V-Special (£2750).

Belenus

Nice car Caprikid1.

My sister in law has an elderly MX5 in a similar colour that she adores.

Ditzy_Mitzy

Of course, if anything the cabriolets of yesteryear are cheaper than their tin-topped brethren.  I'd love an Escort drop head with metallic paint and a velour interior, but have nowhere to keep such a thing.  

motorguy

caprikid1 said:

"which makes me suspect that the ones that are for sale are more likely to be money-pits"

When you buy a sub £1000 car you have to assume you are substituting monthly payments for monthly maintenance. 

Great thing is though is the max you are risking is £1000 but that could then be a few hundred every few months if you are catching up on maintenance such as tyres exhausts etc.

Also to anyone currently enjoying an exec barge with diesel gate tax rates a petrol convertible can come as a bit of a shock with monthly tax rates equivalent to annual tax rates. 

If you have a gararge than an aging convertible can also provide a winter hobby. New discs and pads currently being installed on my MK1 MX5 V-Special (£2750).

I've had maybe half a dozen MX5s over the years.  Fantastic, fun little cars.  

Prices have went up significantly in recent years on them, and rot is a major issue on 10+ year old cars.

Still worth seeking out a good one.

caprikid1

"Still worth seeking out a good one."

As with many cars the cost difference between a good and bad car is rarely what it will cost to get a bad car to a good one !.